Grandmother's House

01/08/2026

As pictures of Lynn's life flashed upon the screen yesterday morning, my Mother gave a little gasp. "I've seen this picture at Nancy's funeral, too!" she said.

It was true. There she was up on the big screen with her housemates! Last year the three ladies at Grandmother's House were each eighty-seven years old. One morning I'd snapped this photo as they sat together on the porch. Death never entered our minds! Nor that this particular photo would be chosen by both families to represent a chapter in their Mother's life at their funeral- first Nancy's and now Lynn's.

"I am feeling uncomfortable about that photo," my Mother whispered. "I am the only one left."

Her words fell heavy, yet I found myself responding way too brightly. "Don't worry, Mother!" I Paused. "You got me!"

I knew I was discounting her words, but I couldn't help it. My eyes were shiny and smarted as I pushed away my own fears.

01/08/2026

Lynn was up and around one day and then gone the next. That day I snapped a photo of her by the Christmas tree with Angelia. I didn't know it would be her last photograph. Nor her last Christmas.

That night something came up and I decided to send her in to the hospital. As we waited for her daughter to arrive, she told me that she was ready to "go."
I avoided the thought, for I had no doubt that her spunky, sweet self would be back shortly. But somehow she knew.

My Mother asked about her the next morning when she wasn't at the breakfast table. She and Lynn were the same age and had become great friends. Later that day we went to see Lynn at the hospital. She looked good. Yet, she wasn't. It was the last time we saw her alive.

I took my Mother with me to her funeral this week. Funerals are the sad part of our work. But they are also very interesting and touching. We learn so much more about one's story! For one, I didn't know Lynn was part of a Sorority. I knew she loved animals, but I didn't know how much she loved her cows! I got to see several photos of the log cabin her husband built her and learned how many musical instruments she played- in addition to the piano. (I knew she'd been a concert pianist!) There was so much more! How we miss you Ms. Lynn! See you when Jesus comes!

01/01/2026

11/29/2025

A happy day at Grandmother's House. There is so much to be thankful for!

11/19/2025

Another sweet story, reminding us to honor our parents.

11/19/2025

This tender story made me cry.

11/18/2025

Today is my Mother's 88th birthday! She is my very first friend. My best friend!

I've promised her several times that she can live another 20 years! She's healthy enough! (Several years ago I took care of Ms Dorothy and we helped celebrate her 108th birthday, so I know its possible!)

I am looking forward to having my Mother with me for many more years!

08/21/2025

If I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things.

0. Every time you enter the room announce yourself. “Hi Mom- it’s Margaret.”
NEVER ask- Do you know who I am??? That causes anxiety.

1. If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality.

2. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it.

3. If I get dementia, don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.

4. If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me.

5. If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself.

6. If I get dementia, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.

7. If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am.

8. If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends.

9. If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.

10. If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me.

11. If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated.

12. If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need.

13. If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.

14. If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.

15. If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.

16. If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault.

17. If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.

18. If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place.

19. If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings.

20. If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes.

21. If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.”

ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴀsᴛᴇ in Honor of someone you know or knew who has dementia.

12/15/2024

Perhaps the BEST gift you can give a frail parent: A placement at Grandmother's House!

Retired hospice nurse and wife team, along with their staff, have provided gentle care here for decades. Consider a caring, nursing home alternative for your frail parent. Private Rooms with round-the-clock care.

Gentle dementia and non-ambulatory elders are also accepted for placement. Experienced with g-tubes, colostomies, hospice, diabetes, and other aging issues. Open Visitation is a favorite among our families.
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High levels of care are provided as only three guests are accepted at one time in addition to family. The owners and some of the staff also live on the premises of this Happy Place.

Be part of the joy! Call for a tour today! Ask for Miriam at (817) 874-4934

For seniors prefering a caring community home instead of institutional care

12/15/2024

She's been unresponsive for days now... Her breaths are shallow, but not labored. She does not have long.

I am just getting off the night shift. Ms. Sue has been my primary concern lately. I've been one of her caregivers for nearly three years now. I am amazed that she pulled through another night!

I am glad she is not in distress, but I miss her already.
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It has only been a few weeks since we lost another beloved Grandma, this time to cancer. Ms Evelyn first came to live at Grandmother's House when she was a spunky, active 93 year old.

Last August her family arrived to celebrate her 96th birthday. It would be easier for the large group to meet with her in the living area so I convinced her to let me get her up in her wheel chair.

She hadn't been out of bed for a few weeks and it was a challenge getting her up. I put a transfer belt around her waist to keep her from tipping sideways. It didn't help that much.

When she grew tired, I took her back to her room. After transferring her back to bed, she looked up at me and whispered, "Let's not do that again." I could see how uncomfortable it made her to get out of bed and I promised that we'd never do so again!

Clear-minded until her last few hours, she enjoyed singing hymns with us and absolutely loved to pray! She let us know frequently that she was ready to meet her Creator. We often talked about Heaven and how we would be getting there, not because of our good works but because Jesus' died for us.

I don't push my religion on others, but there is something about death that brings one closer to the face of God. I feel driven to remind a dying elder about God's gift of salvation, even if they be unable to communicate or understand like Ms Sue.
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One evening, before going to my upstairs apartment, I peeked in on Ms Evelyn to wish her 'good night.' "'We love you, Ms. Evelyn," I said up close. She struggled to respond. "I love you, too," she answered. Her voice was husky and weak. Those were her last words. See you on that great morning!